Stem cell research Controversy

Stem cell research is one of the major controversial issues in science at this time, with differing opinions around the globe on how far it should go, what limitations should be put on the research and its uses, and who should fund the research. What makes it so controversial is that the best source of stems cells is the early embryo, and this raises the hackles of pro-lifers who see using embryonic cells as destroying life (embryos). Actually, this is not a valid argument since the embryos used as a source of embryonic stem cells are excess embryos from in vitro fertilization which are going to be destroyed anyway.

A resent article in Scientific American (The Future, 2005 Z4-A35) gives an overview of the whole field of stem cell research, presenting a historic background, advances in the field, studies carried out around the world, differing world views on the science, and the marketing aspects of the research and its potential products. It begins by pointing out that stem cell therapies have been used for decades, with the best example being bone marrow transplantation to treat leukemia in children (A6). However, these types of therapies have used what are termed adult stem cells, that is stem cells from full developed humans, rather than using embryonic stem cells (ES) derived from embryos, which are now the prime focus of scientists in most countries. The difference between the two types of cells is that ES are pluripotent whereas adult stem cells are merely mult

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i.e. they are already partially differentiated, and others presenting preliminary evidence that they can be regressed to a more primitive stage, and then have higher potential to differentiate into a wider range of cells (A15). For instance, some scientists have observed the capacity of adult hemopoietic stem cells to repair heart tissue damaged by heart attacks, but others claim that there is no evidence that the stem cells actually have any effect on the tissue, but rather that they may stimulate growth signaling chemicals which aid in the repair process. There is criticism that these kinds of tests should not be carried out until the mechanisms of action of adult stem cells are fully determined because they ma induce further health risks. Using adult stem cells to reproduce in their natural environment, e.g. skin stem cells to reproduce skin, seems a more plausible application of adult stem cell therapy (The Future, 2005, A13). Another source of stem cells is fetal tissue, and a California-based company has applied for federal approval to use such cells to treat children with Batten disease, a lethal illness caused by the inability to clear cellular wastes from brain cells. It is hope transplanted fetal neural stem cells

Category: Medical - S